The rematch of Super Bowl XLVI was a classic one with the #1 Seed New England Patriots(13-3) going up against the defensive #4 Seed New York Giants(9-7) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the end, the Vincent Lombardi trophy went to the Giants.
The first half started with New England winning the coin toss but electing to defend. The Giants did not score on their first drive but somehow received 2 points due to Tom Brady’s grounding call on the Patriot’s first drive. On the 19th play at the 4 minute in the first quarter, Eli Manning connected with Victor Cruz for the first touchdown pass of the game. To end the first half, the New England Patriots scored their first touchdown on a Danny Woodhead reception.
The score going into halftime was NYG 9 and NEP 10.
As always the Super Bowl halftime show is exciting and entertaining, and it truly was. Multi-Grammy Award winner Madonna was the headliner and she was great.
When the New York Giants and New England Patriots took the field for the start of the second half, the feeling of urgency for both teams was apparent. During the third quarter, Tom Brady hit Hernandez for a touchdown pass. On the other hand, the New York Giants settled for a field goal.
At the start of the fourth quarter, the New England Patriots led by 2, so the Giants needed to play well down the stretch. The play that changed the game occured at the 3:39 mark in the fourth quarter when Mario Manningham caught a 38-yard pass from Eli Manning. He was in double coverage but somehow managed to catch the ball with his fingertips. As he was hit, he was able to get both feet down and it was ruled a catch. This play help set up the sit down touchdown by Ahmad Bradshaw.
The Super Bowl MVP was Eli Manning who threw for 296 yards and a touchdown. The New York Giants top receivers Nicks, Manningham, Pascoe, Cruz, Bradshaw, Ballard, Ware, and Jacobs combined for a total of 277 receiving yards.
This is the second Super Bowl championship for Eli Manning and the fourth championship for the Giants franchise.
Big Blue Does It Again!!!
Quincy Pennix/Pure Sports NY